My dear friends,
When I was in elementary school, February was
centered on Valentine’s Day. We had lots of fun sending our classmates,
all of them, little commercial Valentines. In adulthood, the day is a
mandatory observance for husbands and boyfriends. But in the church,
Valentine has been dropped from the calendar for lack of information in the
historical record, except that he was recognized as a martyr, probably under
Claudius II in 296, by the late fifth century. Much later stories
appear of him as a priest who healed the blind daughter of his jailer while
awaiting his own execution.
A martyr is literally a witness, and in
Christian thought, one who has witnessed to Christ by suffering for the
faith, even though not necessarily, to death. Men and women are still
dying for Christ, dying for the crime of loving God and neighbor. You
and I are not likely to be martyrs in that sense, but we can all be
witnesses to Christ by our willing to love, even at some sacrifice, for the
sake of Jesus.
Christian worship is a sacrifice of time and
attention to God. It can be inconvenient, and sometimes tedious, to
worship faithfully week by week. Yet love impels us, and duty requires us to
do so. We often forget that because, in practice, our worship in the
Episcopal Church is so beautiful, so satisfying, so nurturing to our minds
and spirits that we can find ourselves cheerfully in church for our own
sakes, and not so much for the sake of God and neighbor. Yet our
worship is a great gift, not only to God and to those who are encouraged by
our presence with them at the altar, but also for the sake of those who are
not present, for whom we pray, and who we, in some way, represent, whether
they know Christ or not.
On the last two Sundays of this month I will
be talking about our worship at both services. In part they will be
instructed Eucharists, explaining why we do what we do. In part, I
will note the variety in Episcopal worship, some of which you may not have
experienced, but may run into as other priests celebrate at St. Luke’s, or
as you travel. We will also try out a few alternate prayers that are
fairly common in Episcopal churches. I think you will find these Sundays
stimulating.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25,
with services at 10 am and 7 pm. Our annual noon preaching series with
a soup and bread luncheon will be on the follow five Wednesdays. The
sermons will reflect on several titles of Jesus, some of the ways we know
him in our lives. Do plan to attend, and, if appropriate, to help with
the soup and bread. And invite your neighbors.
I am treasuring these final months as rector,
as we all look forward to new adventures beyond.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
HEALING MINISTRY
Our healing prayer team offers prayers for individuals and families
each Sunday in the baptistery at the conclusion of both the 8:30 and
10:30 church services. Many have already found this prayer
resource a blessing. Just approach them and ask.If you are
interested in joining the Prayer team, contact Lynn Hughes at
476-4671 or the Church office.
FROM OUR PARISH NURSE
Frances Osborne
NEW BEGINNINGS – FEBRUARY 2009
The year 2009 looks to be shaping up as a
year of change. No matter what your politics you cannot help but feel
this will be a year of change as we inaugurate a new president with an
entirely different philosophy than the old administration. Many of the
people I talk to feel this change and want to be a part of it, not only on a
personal level but also on a community level.
Change can be a very good thing; it usually leads to personal growth.
It can lead to the setting of new goals for ourselves and the community we
belong to. Therefore, think about health goals you would like to
pursue. Make them real goals that are achievable. For
example, cut a hundred calories a day out of your diet or get out and walk
three times a week.
Martin Buber believed that our love of God is reflected in our relationship
with our fellow man. So whether you help out with an activity within
the church such as usher or helping with a youth program or you join a group
in the community give a little back to our community. I believe you
will find it fulfilling to return some of your blessings to the community it
which we live.
Make this year truly a year of new beginnings and pray for new beginnings
for all of the troubled places in the world and the people who from no fault
of their own find themselves caught up in the turmoil.
COMING EVENTS
February 13 & 14
: Vestry
Retreat
February 24
: Shrove
Tuesday; Pancake Dinner 5:30 pm
February 25
: Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes & Holy Eucharist
10:00am
& 7:00pm
March 4 – April 1
: Lenten Preaching series with Soup and Bread Lunch
April 5
: Palm Sunday
April 5 – 8
: Holy Week
April 9
: Maundy Thursday
April 10
: Good Friday
April 12
: Easter Sunday
May 1
: Fr. Jim’s retirement
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Lent begins on February25th, with services of Holy
Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Plan to come
for a time of quiet reflection at the beginning of our annual journey to
Easter.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Joshua Flick - 2/2
Derek Seals 2/19
If during the past year we have missed any
child’s birthday, we apologize. However, we do need to update our
birthday list. So, please call the office with the child’s name and birth
date. Thank you.
LUKE’S LOG OR SUNDAY BULLETIN
If any
one has any ideas or something that they would like to see in the Log,
please submit it by the 18th of the month or it will not appear in the Log
until the next month. The 18th is the deadline because the office
needs to pass submissions on to Sandi Fowler for publication.
If you
have information for the bulletin, please have it in no later than Wednesday
mornings.
LENT 2008 – NOON SERVICE AND
LUNCH
Our Wednesday series of five Lenten Preaching
Services begins March 4, 2009 at 12:00 noon. We will have complete
schedule of topics and speakers soon. There will also be a sign-up
sheet on the kitchen door bulletin board for the traditional Soup &
Bread lunch which follows the services.
We’ll need teams of two or three people to
prepare the food each week, with others to serve and help setting the tables
and clean up. Please contact the office or Fr. Jim for additional
information at 476-2493.
JUBILEE MINISTRIES
February – F I S H
Your committee for Jubilee
Ministries hopes to bring you news each month highlighting facets of St.
Luke’s outreach.
The focus
this month is sharing through FISH. Non perishable goods gathered in
the box at the entry to our Parish Hall are taken to Newman United Methodist
Church where the food is distributed three times a week (beginning at 2:30,
Monday, Wednesday and Friday). This program is administered by the
FISH committee and food comes via area churches, the state-wide Food Bank,
the Department of Agriculture and local stores. As we consider how
best to contribute, it’s helpful to know that food, other than locally
grown produce, is purchased from the Food Bank at their cost. Food
Bank tells us that they can box enough to feed a family of three for five
days for $6.00. Sp your sharing may be most fruitful for others if you
contribute money directly to FISH. You can enhance that by making
donations of frequently requested personal care items, laundry soap and
toiletries, pet food and non-basic food items such as salad dressings, small
packages of sugar substitutes, and condiments.
There are
folks who stand in line on FISH “shopping days” range in age from 1 to
88. Households vary in size from 1 person to 12. Some are
disabled, some have not worked for several weeks, and some have lost their
jobs and all income just this week. During 2008 FISH alone distributed
over 97,000 pounds of food and dry goods. The Food Bank estimates the
need will increase by 20% in 2009.
You are
part of this sharing
Fran Turney and Harmony Thayer
NEW OFFICE HOURS
Starting
tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2009, the church office will be open 9am to
12noon and 1pm to 5pm.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Every
day you see people who are hurting: those who have lost a job, a loved one,
gone through a divorce, or are battling a terminal illness. St.
Luke’s Stephen Ministers are God’s representatives who bring his love to
those in these situations. God is waiting to make a difference in
their lives through you! If you want to find out more about how you
can be involved in the one-to-one care giving ministry, please contact Dan
or Joan Collins at 476-6169.
GREEN TIP
We have all been witness to a historic and exciting event in our country’s
history with the inauguration of President Obama. May we thank God for
the fresh feeling of hope that has injected our nation, despite its many
challenges. May God bless our President, our country, and our world as
we enter a new era. President Obama stands ready to take serious
action on global warming and rebuilding our economy with green jobs and
clean green energy. He acknowledges the need to ask every American to
contribute in rebuilding by patience, sacrifice and energy conservation.
Although there are countless ways to conserve energy, I ask you to consider eating
less meat as one that is healthy and economical as well as kind to
the environment. Statistics say it all:
Livestock
production generates almost 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases – more
than the entire transportation sector. If Americans reduced meat
consumption by just 20%, it would be as though we all switched from a sedan
to a hybrid. (New York Times)
Animal
factory farms pollute U.S. waterways more than all other industrial sources
combined. And you’d save more water by refraining from eating a
pound of beef than you would by not showering for an entire year. (E –
The Environmental Magazine)
Producing
1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of beef emits more carbon dioxide than does going
for a three-hour drive while leaving all the lights on at home. (The
Guardian)
Those who can’t cut out meat entirely might decide to be
carnivorous on only one or two days a week.
Bon Appetit!
Harmony Thayer
MEN’S MONDAY MORNING
BREAKFAST
The Men’s breakfast meets on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month.
Breakfast is at the Gold Miner Cafe on the corner of 7th
and “M” streets at 8:15. If you have any questions, you can call the
office at 476-2493
NEW PURPLE VESTMENTS
The
purple Chasuble is very old and cannot be repaired. I have offered to
make a new set for the St. Luke’s. I have contacted the Almay
Company about available kits. I have a design in mind and have a
picture for anyone to see. The Altar Guild and St. Luke’s do not
have the funds available to purchase the kit, so I am raising the funds to
purchase the kit. The cost of the kit and Stole is $350.00. I
will purchase the added fabric that is needed and will make the Chasuble and
Stole. If you would like to donate money towards this project, please
make your check out to St. Luke’s and indicate in the memo line that it is
for “New Vestment”. It would have been nice to have this project
done before Lent but because Lent is almost here, that will not be possible.
However, it would be nice to have a new set of purple vestments for our new
priest.
Thank You,
Bev Kane
PRAYER QUILTS
We would
like to start a formal Prayers and Squares group at St. Luke's. Initially we
are taking a general interest survey to see if there is indeed an interest.
You do not have to be a quilter, or even know how to sew. There are many
tasks that do not require sewing/quilting. Prayers and Squares is an
international organization that is ecumenical. It is not limited to a
particular denomination. Groups get together and make quilts for those in
need: emotional or physical difficulties such as cancer, grieving,
care givers, etc. They are meant to comfort and surround the recipient with
the knowledge that with the construction and finishing of the quilt they are
surrounded by prayers. Each quilt is blessed at the altar and then the
congregation ties the knots that hold the quilt together saying a prayer
with each knot as they exit the church, during coffee hour or whenever they
can. After the recipient has the quilt others are encouraged to continue to
tie knots with prayers adding more knots. Each quilt is given without cost
to whoever requests one and is willing to accept the prayers offered with
it.
Please
call Dena Smith at 541-479-8762, with your name, phone number and your
interest/talent. Please leave a message if there is no answer when you call.
Thank you.
GLIMPSES
OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY
The pamphlet for February is titled “Translating the Gospel in Eastern
Europe”. Early missionaries Cyril and Methodius gave the Slavic
people an alphabet and a chance to worship God in their own language. To
read more pick up a copy today in the Narthex.
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER &
CARNIVAL
Look for more information in the Sunday Bulletins.
SHROVE TUESDAY
Shrove
Tuesday or Pancake Day heralds the beginning of fasting in Lent. On
this day (so historians say), there were feasts of pancakes to use up the
supplies of fat, butter and eggs … foods hat were forbidden during austere
Lent.
Pancakes
are the traditional treat of the Jewish Hanukkah festival. They are
fried in oil to commemorate the oil found by the Maccabeans when they
recaptured Jerusalem from the Syrians, two thousand years ago. The one
day’s supply of oil for the temple lamps burned miraculously for one week.
And, tradition says, the wives of the soldiers hurriedly cooked pancakes
behind the lines for their warring husbands.
In
England, there are several celebrations on this day, but perhaps best known
is the Pancake Day Race at Olney in Buckinghamshire which has been held
since 1445. Only women wearing a dress, an apron, and a hat o r scarf,
may take part in the race. Each contestant must toss a cooking pancake
three times during the race. The first to complete the winding 375
meter course and arrive at the church, serve her pancake to the vicar and be
kissed by him is the winner.
In
various parts of France, there are different customs. In Provence, if
you hold a coin in your left hand while you toss a pancake, you’ll be
rich. And in Brie, the first pancake (which is never very good anyway)
is always given to the hen that laid the eggs that made the pancake.
And it’s always regarded as bad luck to let a pancake fall on the floor
while tossing it.
St.
James, Kent, Washington
CENTERING PRAYER
Centering prayer is a new name for an ancient Christian tradition. It
is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a single holy word or
phrase for a period of time. As the attention moves away from the word
or phrase (and it does!) one gently brings it back. The object is to
simply spend time in the presence of God. One finishes with a moment
or two of gratitude and the Lord’s Prayer. This is now offered at
St. Luke’s on Fridays at 12:15pm.
ANNUAL MEETING REPORTS
If you
were unable to attend the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25, 2009 and
would like to have a copy of the ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2008, you can pick up a
copy in the Narthex, the Parish Hall, or the office during business hours.
FROM THE ALTAR GUILD
Thank you to all of you who have signed up for flowers and Sanctuary candles
for 2008. The new 2009 flower calendar is up on the door to the Parish
Hall. If you would like to give flowers for an anniversary, birthday,
thanksgiving, or other remembrances, please sign on the date you would like
to give flowers. The cost for is $35.00 and for candles is $5.00.
Please call the office at 476-2493 so that it may be noted in the Sunday
Bulletin.
If you have any questions about flowers or
the candles, please call the office at 476-2493
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Daughters of the King meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at
7:00pm. All women of the church are welcome. Please check the
calendar in the Log or call the church office at 476-2493.
MUSIC NOTES
Choir
The Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 5:00pm. Please come and join us.
Praise and Worship Musicians
If you are interested in participating, please contact Curt Lopez at
890-8903 for practice times.
Children
Choir
Our Children’s Choir has been learning together after the 10:30 service,
and will continue to do so on most Sundays. New singers are welcome.
HOW
TO DO LENT:
Lent is like Spring Training for
Christians—a time to do things, and to give up others, in order to
strengthen our relationship with God. As with athletes, we begin training by
making a plan. We all have, consciously or unconsciously, a “Rule of
Life,” a pattern by which we fulfill our religious duty to ourselves, to
God, the Church, and our neighbors. Lent offers the opportunity to review
one’s “Rule,” and to make it more deliberate. A prayerful assessment
of your present Rule will help you determine what, if any, changes will draw
you closer to God during these weeks. Whether you need a more challenging
rule, or a more relaxed one, here are some basic elements for Lent:
WORSHIP:
You may change your pattern of worship, perhaps coming more regularly on
Sundays, or adding a weekday service. You may offer worship alone, too, at
the church and at home, using resources available in the Narthex. Of course,
we never really worship alone, but in union with the whole Church, in Heaven
and on earth.
PRAYER:
Perhaps you will pray more often, or just a little more quietly and
thoughtfully. Having set times can encourage daily prayer. So can having a
friend with whom you can share your spiritual journey.
STUDY:
Read the Bible, or a spiritual book. (The library has lots of good ones.)
Join a study group, or start one. Use Forward Day by Day. Read a
book to young children, such as C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and
the Wardrobe. Listen to the sermon. Think and talk about it.
SERVICE:
Volunteer, at church or in the community. Do something kind—perhaps for
someone with whom you live or work, one to whom you owe an obligation (such
as a letter or a kind word), or even someone who annoys you. Examine the
result and repeat.
ALMSGIVING:
This is giving beyond your regular tithe or pledge for the advance of the
Gospel or the relief of those who suffer. It may be made possible by the
next item.
SELF-DENIAL:
Make it possible to add these changes by cutting back elsewhere, maybe
giving up a TV show, or hot-fudge sundae. Simple measures, such as meatless
Fridays (a fine and ancient custom), prepare us for more productive forms of
Self Denial. Our Church particularly asks the faithful to fast (which means
to eat less than usual) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Other days are
okay, too, health permitting.
A word of caution: You may not succeed fully
in keeping your Plan for Lent. The point of Spring Training is to grow, not
to feel guilty. Assess your progress as you go, and just keep at it, making
adjustments as necessary. Have a happy and blessed Lent.
WEDNESDAY
MORNINGS
Deacon Joani’s Wednesday morning Bible study will meet on at 10:00am in
the Guild Room. Joani and the group are working their way through the Bible.
All are welcome. The will be NO CLASS on Wednesday, February 25,
2009 because of Ash Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY
EVENINGS
The Group will at the home of Al & Lucille Fitchell, 1258 Ironwood
Circle, Grants Pass. New comers are welcome. Call Al or Lucille at
955-4623 if you have any questions or need directions to their home.
There will be NO CLASS on February 25, 2009 because of Ash Wednesday.
TRACTS IN OUR NATHEX
Stop in
the Narthex as you enter or leave the Church and look at the multitude of
short publications available on the Tract Rack. You’ll see leaflets
about church history, personal spirituality, and practical aspects of living
the Christian faith. Some will answer questions about the Episcopal
Church, some will address Christian marriage and parenting, and others are
suitable for giving to someone in the hospital or may be going through
difficult times. Help yourself. Suggested prices are marked on
each and you may leave your contribution in the labeled basket.
The latest issue (February thru April) of our quarterly devotional
publication is available in the Narthex. Pick up a copy of Forward Day
by Day in the convenient pocket size, or choose the large-print
version. Put it where you will see it each day, and it will help you
establish or continue the habit of spending some time with God amid your
daily routine. The booklet provides a brief scripture reading and
commentary, with additional suggested passages taken from the Daily Office
readings in our Book of Common Prayer.
In
addition to Forward Day By Day, Forward Movement also provides
liturgically seasonal publications. For this Lent, two may be of
special interest: “Holy Island: a Lenten Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne” and
Forty Days of Lent: Different Shoes”. To learn more about these
booklets, you can check on-line at www.forwardmovement.org
and click on Lent 2009. Either or both of these may be an
excellent addition to your Lenten discipline.
Episcopal
Diocese of Oregon: 2008-2009 Youth Events
April 4, 2009
: Acolyte Day (all children and youth)
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Eugene
April 17 – 19, 2009
: Life is Beautiful (grades 9-12)
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, Milwaukee
“KNOW YOUR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS”
The St.
Luke’s men’s “Know Your Christian Brothers” program had its first
supper social on Thursday, January 29th. Although attendance was not
“robust”, the food and fellowship definitely were! The hard care
of attendees were in the OF (Older Fellows) group, especially those who
already know the benefits of getting together for the men’s breakfasts.
In
addition to enjoying the fellowship, Joe Hungate made a short presentation
about the existing groups that St. Luke’s has had in the past and
activities that men have performed in the Church recently. Also, he
presented options for men to get involved in church related projects.
He repeated the request of Mike Dawson, Treasurer, who could not be present
at the supper that both men and women can be of greater service, now more
than ever, by performing tasks that can no longer be approved by the Vestry
during these current lean budget times.
Joe
encouraged all present to invite their male friends to the next supper, and
for each male at St. Luke’s to volunteer to do at least one task to help
the church through these current times.
t. Luke’s
Episcopal Church
224 NW “D” Streets
Grants Pass, Oregon
541-476-2493
CLERGY
The Standing Committee
Ecclesiastical Authority
The Rt. Rev Sandy Hampton
Assisting Bishop
The Rev. James T. Boston, Rector
479-0452
The Rev. Randel Livingood, Curate
941-7581
The Rev. Joani Bristol, Deacon
773-7808
STAFF AND OTHER OFFICERS
Parish Administrative Assistant
: Jean Middleton 218-1516
Altar Guild Directress
: Joan Collins
476-6169
Organist/Choir Director :
Donald Corbett
955-7262
Memorial Trust Board President
: Mike Dawson
479-4459
Parish Nurse
: Frances Osborne
955-8777
St. Luke’s Guild President
: Crista Yilek
659-9208
Senior Warden
: Dennis James
476-8126
Sexton
: Dave Flick
862-2698
Treasurer
: Mike Dawson
479-4459
MEMBERS OF THE VESTRY
CLASS OF 2010
Dennis James
476-8126
Pat Murray
956-9999
Diane Leonard
660-3023
CLASS OF 2011
Susan Hall
955-1710
Scott Swindells
479-1642
Eileen Widdison
471-6092
CLASS OF 2012
Alex Frum
855-4461
Sam Marsh
479-7620
Marlies Wilson
474-1090
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